Oldham Reporter

A loan shark and her enforcer have been jailed following a brutal assault in Oldham that led to the death of a vulnerable man.

A man who stabbed a doorman after being refused entry to a bar in Royton has been jailed for seven years.

On Christmas Eve, a lot of my friends go out drinking. Others frantically prepare uncountable sides and desserts ahead of the big day, or cajole their kids into bed so they can fill their Christmas stockings unobserved. 

A family is waiting in the sparsely furnished but festively decked reception hall of a hotel.

It’s well into the Panto season – but the doors of the Oldham Coliseum remain firmly shut.

More than 130 adults and children were invited to Christmas events this month after First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO) funded parties at its six community centres.

Micky Mellon’s stock phrases are enigmatic. He says, “I know what good looks like,” but is reluctant to tell you or I what it means.

Former Mayor of Oldham, Councillor Dr Zahid Chauhan OBE, has been formally appointed as an Honorary Freeman of the Borough of Oldham, the highest civic honour the Council can bestow.

People in Oldham suffering from mental health issues this winter are urged to reach out for help and support from the NHS.

Shoppers were treated to an afternoon of Gospel Music in the Oldham town centre recently.

Newly appointed headteacher Jason Chadwick beamed with joy as he watched his first Christmas nativity show, performed by the school’s little stars.

A perfect Michael Mellon hat-trick – header, right foot, left foot – was a wonderful way for Latics to end a momentous year at Boundary Park.

An awards ceremony designed to celebrate the borough’s diverse community has had an added bonus – by raising £335 for kids in hospital.

Gallery Oldham is proud to present a major new exhibition by leading contemporary artist Charlotte Hodes, opening on Saturday, January 17 and running until Saturday, May 9.

The 78-year-old woman who died after being struck by a van in Asda car park has been identified by police as Margaret Crichton from Oldham.

Oldham Council has backed a motion for a community-led regeneration of the historic Werneth Park Music Rooms but supporters of the plan feel uncertain about what happens next.

First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO) chief executive Mark Gifford received his OBE from The King last week at an investiture in Windsor Castle.

First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO) has condemned vandals who broke into Holts Community Centre and set fire to an outbuilding in a crime spree that has caused £10,000 of damage.

First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO) joined forces with Greater Manchester Police (GMP) recently to deliver notices seeking the eviction of four customers following their alleged involvement in crime.

Homeless Friendly recently visited The Brian Clarke Church of England Academy to collect Christmas hampers generously donated by students and their families.

The Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) is appealing for information following a fatal accident outside Asda Shaw last night (Thurs).

Police have arrested a man wanted in relation to a public order offence at the Royal Oldham Hospital.

Hulme Grammar School is delighted to announce a £10,000 donation from Nominet GiveHub to support its expanding programme of digital inclusion, STEM outreach, and community engagement across Oldham.

Two men have been arrested following early morning drug raids in Royton today (Thursday).

Oldham Council’s flagship employment support service - Get Oldham Working - has been crowned national winner of the Tailored Employment Support Award at the ERSA Employability Awards 2025 . . . the most prestigious awards in the UK’s employment support sector.

The beloved local running event ‘the Tour’ is back for 2026. 

Five people were arrested following a series of drug raids carried out at multiple addresses in Oldham earlier this morning (Wed).

After a lacklustre performance against local rivals Ashton in last week’s fixture, Oldham RUFC were eager to return to winning ways against high-flying Orrell.

Oldham Libraries has been recognised nationally with a Met Strong rating from Arts Council England as part of the Libraries Development Framework.

When it comes to work experience, most teenagers expect to spend a week in an office, a factory or perhaps a shop.

The planned Metrolink drivers’ strike for the weekend and New Year’s Eve has been called off, but 200 bus workers in Greater Manchester are still set to walk out. 

If you blinked, you missed it, but Micky Mellon actually revealed something in his post-match interview with Alan Jones, Latics’ head of media, after the game away to Crawley. He revealed, probably by accident, that he uses Twitter (or X if you like proto-fascist branding).

Elaborate plans could see a former wedding venue in Saddleworth turned into a convenience store, coffee shop, car wash, taxi stand and EV charging centre.

A historic building in Oldham town centre is sprouting trees just months after it was ‘rescued’ through a compulsory purchase order by Oldham Council.

Andy Burnham unveiled his bright, yellow vision for Greater Manchester’s railways — promising ‘a new era’ for passengers.

More than 20 new homes could soon be built in an idyllic location on the edge of Shaw, Oldham.

Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice has extended its long-established Christmas tree recycling service to cover Oldham and all OL postcodes.

Officers are appealing for information following persistent anti-social behaviour targeting a property on Argus Street in Oldham.

A plan to build more than 70 new affordable homes in Oldham is set to be given the go-ahead later this week.

TransPennine Express (TPE) introduced its new timetable yesterday (Sunday), delivering more services, extra capacity, and greater choice for customers across the North and into Scotland.

Police from the Chadderton and Werneth Neighbourhood Team uncovered what is believed to be a “chop shop” operation in a series of garages near the junction of Eustace Street and Milne Street this morning (December 15).

This was a better performance from Latics than they have put in for a number of weeks but, having taken the lead in the second half, they could not hang on to it.

GM4Women2028 is pleased to announce the appointment of three outstanding trustees.

Residents in Tameside, Oldham and Glossop are being invited to access practical support this winter through a new Winter Warmer Packs initiative and a welcoming Winter Warm Hub, aimed at helping people stay warm, connected and supported during the colder months.

Two more youths have been arrested following violent disorders in Oldham town centre – bringing the total to seven.

The Poundland store in Oldham town centre will shut its doors today, December 13.

Latics boss Micky Mellon likes to present each game as an opportunity to do something – anything from building on previous success to the righting wrongs.

Local MP Debbie Abrahams has been briefed by First Choice Homes Oldham's (FCHO) chief executive about the housing association's proposed 147-home Southlink development - its biggest ever project.

Work is underway on Oldham’s first solar farm, a council-funded clean energy scheme next to the Rochdale Canal in Failsworth.

A leading independent school in Oldham is set to become a hub of innovation next week as it hosts an exciting Junior Hackathon for students aged eight to 18.

An Eton-backed secondary school is coming to Oldham, the government has confirmed. The Eton Star Academy has officially been greenlit by the Department for Education, after the project was put on hold for more than a year. 

NHS Greater Manchester is advising patients across the region on how to access care during planned industrial action by resident doctors (formerly junior doctors).

A HMO has been given the go-ahead by planners despite locals slamming the decision as ‘irresponsible’.

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) workers begin a fresh round of strike action tomorrow (Friday) over fair pay.

Upturn is determined to ensure there isn’t a little boy or girl forgotten by Santa Claus this Christmas – by launching a toy appeal for the Royal Oldham Hospital’s Children’s Ward.

The winners of First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO)’s Budding Neighbourhoods summer gardening competition 2025 have been announced.

A man has been charged following an investigation into a series of burglaries across Oldham and Tameside.

A 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of burglary after detectives spent a number of hours watching video footage and speaking to witnesses.

Saturday saw Ashton host local rivals Oldham in a top of the table clash, with the Tamesiders coming out on top 20-8. 

Following months of delays and disagreements, the national inquiry into grooming gangs is moving forward.

A cricket club which ‘unknowingly breached’ its licensing conditions has been granted permission to hold events and sell alcohol to non-members despite a flood of objections by local residents.

Officers are appealing for information following a serious sexual assault involving a teenage girl at Nuthurst park in New Moston.

Greater Manchester Police have implemented a Section 35 dispersal order and additional Section 60 stop and search powers in Oldham Town Centre following repeat incidents of anti-social behaviour between groups of youths.

The January transfer window is, to say the least, tricky for Latics and for manager Micky Mellon.

Oldham Council has welcomed the Government’s announcement today of the leadership and draft terms of reference for a full statutory national inquiry into grooming gangs following the announcement of the inquiry Chair and Panel members.

Cornerstone Design & Marketing, based in Lees, is celebrating a major industry achievement after its campaign for heartburn treatment brand Pyrocalm Control won Best Niche Advertising Campaign at 30th OTC Marketing Awards, held at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London.

Strikes by around 320 tram drivers working for KeolisAmey Metrolink Limited later this month are back on - after workers overwhelmingly voted to reject the company's proposals for tackling driver fatigue.

Pupils from Oldham’s Broadfield Primary joined a choir of more than 200 children to perform at this year’s inter-schools Manchester Sings concert in the splendid setting of the city’s Cathedral.

Oldham’s town hall has called for a tighter crackdown on ‘badly behaved’ councillors.

Town planners in Oldham have refused a ‘controversial’ planning application for two bungalows which received more than 70 objections from local residents.

GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) is appealing for further information following a fatal collision on Huddersfield Road, Diggle, this morning (Monday).

The family of a 55-year-old man who died following an altercation in Oldham on Saturday evening (December 6) have paid tribute to him.

Project Free is a lived experience recovery organisation that supports adults with alcohol and substance-related offending behaviour across Greater Manchester. By utilising the power of lived experience and credible role models, Project Free provides a unique and empathetic approach to helping individuals on their journey to recovery. The program addresses not only substance misuse but also the underlying issues driving criminal behaviour, offering participants guidance, support, and practical tools for positive change.

A beautiful but run-down building in Oldham could soon receive a new lease of life.

Saddleworth’s Santa Dash has been hailed as a major success despite Saturday’s challenging weather conditions.

Latics properly lived down to their billing at Stadium MK. I’ve seen Latics at Stadium MK almost every time they have played there. As I said in my preview on Friday, it has never been a pleasant experience. The average score is almost exactly MK Dons 3 – 1 Latics. (That includes four draws, which means I’ve seen Latics take some absolute pastings there over the year

A man has been arrested and a murder investigation launched following the death of a male in Royton.

It’s a warm May day in 2038, around 5:40pm. You’ve just finished work in MediaCity and you need to meet some friends in town by 6pm.

Police are appealing for help in locating Shazia, who has not been seen for three days.

First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO) staff who have accrued hundreds of years’ service with the housing association were honoured at an afternoon tea event with the Mayor, Councillor Eddie Moores this week.

There will be extra officers out and about in Oldham this weekend following a large-scale disorder in the town centre last night.

The romance of the FA Cup lives on, but not in tomorrow’s 2nd Round fixture between MK Dons and Oldham Athletic at Stadium MK.

A fast-growing Bollywood and Latin dance company has been recognised for its impact on community, confidence and culture at a special ceremony in Oldham.

A Winter crime blitz is underway in Greater Manchester as teams across the force come together to support a Home Office-led campaign.

Leading North West housing association, Onward Homes, has announced its annual winter resilience programme aimed at helping people across Oldham and other areas of Greater Manchester through targeted support.